Police warn against religious statements that incite violence

The Ghana Police Service has issued a warning to the public against making statements that could incite violence or encourage acts of violence under the pretense of religion. This advisory comes in the wake of the arrest of two individuals who were caught on video making disparaging remarks about Prophet Mohammed. The Police emphasized the importance of restraint for religious leaders, community figures, and social media users when expressing their opinions.

The first suspect, Imam Masud Abdullah, a 35-year-old Imam, was apprehended for a video where he allegedly encouraged his audience to kill those who insult Prophet Mohammed. In a separate incident, Daniel Junior Yaw Adjei, known as Apostle Daniel JY Adjei, was arrested after a video surfaced showing him using offensive language against Prophet Mohammed.

The Police Service made it clear that while freedom of religion and freedom of expression are constitutionally protected rights, they cannot be exploited to justify inciting violence or provoking others to harm.

The statements made by the suspects are considered violations of the law, and investigations into both cases are ongoing. The suspects are expected to face due process. The Police Service also appealed to religious leaders, preachers, community leaders, and social media commentators to refrain from expressions that might exacerbate tensions or promote violent behavior.